Machining apparatus for long tube lengths and related methods

Abstract

An apparatus for machining a profile in an inner wall of a tubular includes a frame on which a drive system is disposed, a carriage head disposed on at least one track of the frame, wherein the drive system is configured to operate the carriage head along the at least one track, a torque tube coupled to the carriage head and extending therefrom, the torque tube having a cutting tool coupled thereto, and a plurality of stabilizer pads disposed proximate the cutting tool and along a circumference of the torque tube, wherein the plurality of stabilizer pads are configured to engage the inner wall of the tubular and centralize the cutting tool within the tubular.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), this application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 484,011, filed May 9, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Disclosure[0003]Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to an apparatus and methods for machining More specifically, embodiments disclosed herein relate to machining apparatuses for long tube lengths and related methods of operation.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]Machining apparatuses are typically used when precision machining is required, especially for odd shapes. Commonly machined surfaces include circular and non-circular holes, splines, and flat surfaces. Typical work pieces include small to medium sized castings, forgings, screw machine parts, and stampings. A commonly used tool for such machining is a broaching tool. Even though broaches can be expensive, machining is usually favorable to other processes when ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In other aspects, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a cutting tool, the cutting tool including a cutting head including an adjustable cutter block and a cutting element disposed on the cutter block, wherein a height of the cutter block is adjustable to a specified cut depth. The cutting tool further includes a stabilizer body disposed proximate the cutting head, the stabilizer body including a fixed stabilizer pad located opposite the cutting element and a first hydraulically actuated floating stabilizer pad,

Problems solved by technology

Current broaching tools are usually limited in the length of their stroke, and thus, limited in the length of work piece they are able to broach.

The stroke length limitation is mainly due to the uncontrollability of radial forces for very long stroke lengths, which leads to imprecise cuts in the work piece.

Images